Denotations - what we see when we look at an image (what it is)
Connotations - what we understand from this image (meaning)
Preferred reading - how the creator wants the audience to view the text.
Oppositional reading - where the intended meaning of the text is totally opposed by the reader.
IRON MAN 3
Denotations - Iron man, positioned as if bending down on one knee, patriotism to his country.
- Photo set in the ocean, foreshadowing deep events, perhaps not all good. Low angle
used, makes Iron man look more important as the camera is beneath him, he will be a
hero.
Connotations - patriotism (down on one knee), faith, hope and determination (facial expression), teamwork and uniting (the other iron men surrounding him) deep and 'the blues' (the ocean) strength (the iron suit) danger (the fire in the background), hero (the light shining from the centre of the main man.)
Preferred reading - Iron Man is a hero and he is going to save the day.
Oppositional reading - A man in a metal suit, too bigged up.